Marvel Entertainment LLC and Visa Inc. are taking readers in Canada and around the world on an action packed journey courtesy of the new comic book Avengers: Saving the Day. The 16-page comic book – available to Canadians in French and English – combines Marvel’s iconic characters with Visa’s financial literacy expertise, to introduce children to basic money concepts – and which some critics say encourages kids to borrow money.

“Parents and educators are always looking for innovative and creative ways to engage and educate children about the importance of money management,” said Melissa Cassar, Head of Corporate and Public Affairs, Visa Canada. “Visa and Marvel Comics have created an exciting adventure story full of Super Heroes and colourful characters – supported by financial literacy messages, making the topic both entertaining and educational for youth.”

The Avengers: Saving the Day comic was created by a well-known team of Marvel storytellers, including veteran writer James Asmus (Generation Hope). Fan favourite Andrea Di Vito (Avengers Academy) drew the comic, which features the iconic comic book versions of the world’s most popular Super Heroes including Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Black Widow. The collectors’ item comic also features a new cover by comics legend Tom Grummett.

“As a kid, I would have been completely thrilled to get a comic like this. It’s got all the fun and excitement that you think of when you imagine a Marvel comic. And thanks to some sly and playful introduction of financial advice, Visa is using their incredible reach to get it to as many kids as possible” said Marvel writer James Asmus. “It’s an amazing honour to know that I wrote what will undoubtedly be the first comic book tons of kids around the world will read – and it stars the Avengers! It just doesn’t get cooler than that.”

Avengers: Saving the Day features a fast-moving plot revolving around the Avengers characters learning about personal finance, while battling the evil Mole Man during an attempted heist. The book is accompanied by a teacher’s guide that uses Marvel’s characters to introduce children to basic financial concepts such as budgeting, saving and banking. Available at no cost, Avengers: Saving the Day is being distributed around the world, and can also be viewed online. In addition to English and French, the comic is also available in Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese, Portugese, Russian and Spanish.